A Heart of Stone

Last night, I watched a man of God walk boldly into the streets of Portland, Oregon to evangelize and preach the gospel to a crowd at the Black Live Movement protest. He was sharing the word of God and preaching the message of love.

I watched with anxiety and great sadness on how the people rejected the gospel with such disrespect, anger, rage and disregard. They rejected, scoffed, and mocked him as he continued to preach the gospel.

The people blocked him from going any further into the crowd and told him to leave the area. I actually feared for his safety. As I reflected on what I witnessed through an online video, I’m reminded of how much Jesus had to endure as he walked through crowds of people who rejected his message as he traveled, preached and healed in the midst of persecution.

Unfortunately, not much has changed since then. Since we live in a fallen world, it’s too be expected, but it’s still very upsetting to see others reject a pure, genuine love. It’s an unconditional, agape love that the world is desperately searching so hard to find in people, places or things. I also realize how many people really don’t understand what love really is.

Love is a word thrown around very loosely in society, which has no substance, foundation or value. The world, in general, is void of love. 

Plain and simple, the devil is the master of confusion and the lawlessness experienced in this country is a reflection of the culture which honors and validates acts of disobedience, sin, pride and arrogance.

The world seems to be spinning out of control and erupts in chaos but God is still in control despite how we may think or feel at the present moment.

Sadly enough, society mirrors the disorder, injustice, pain, abuse and hatred that is not a stranger to the history of America.

If you look at a stone, it is unmovable and nothing can penetrate it. Depending on the size, it may be very heavy, but whether it’s a pebble, rock, stone or mountain, it’s made of the same substance. Nothing can pierce it.

After years of pain, anguish, frustration, anger and bitterness, a heart becomes hardened from life experiences, poor choices and decisions and bad situations or circumstances. Things may have happened unwillingly in your life which is not your fault but you’ve suffered the consequences, behaviors or decisions of someone else’s actions. Life is a painful journey and none of us escape life without heartache and pain. The only one who can heal the deep wounds, sickness or disease is Jesus Christ.

Ezk 36:26


The Only Answer is Love

Every problem we are facing today relates to love. It’s the dominant force in life and without it humanity cannot survive.

The Lord values family and marriage. There’s a domino effect that starts in the home. The breakdown of the family has disrupted society, our communities and our nation. Whether your home is dysfunctional or operates under oppression, generational curses, domestic violence, teaches racism and bigotry in your household or have a lack of positive role models in your family, it allows children to run astray without discipline or guidance.

Prov 22:6


The severe neglect or abandonment of a child leads them down a road of mental, emotional or psychological anguish. As young adults, they fall prey into the world and tend to gravitate towards gang membership, crime, cults, corrupt organizations and abusive relationships. They search for anything to fill the void. Alcohol and drugs mask the pain but does not cure the original offense they faced as a child or along the path of adulthood.

The cycle continues as an adult but the devil is a liar. You can break the cycle of abuse, addiction, or rejection. You are not an outcast. You are not a failure. You are worthy. You are treasured. You are valued. You are loved.

The world is starving for love but doesn’t know or understand what love truly is, what it means or if it truly exists. The world has a perverted or distorted view or perspective on the meaning of love.

I Corth 6:19


It’s so disheartening to personally experience the love of God and then to witness so many people disregard or reject the truth of the gospel. The only one who saves you from the pain, discouragement, depression, anger or bitterness that you are trying to escape is Jesus. While others thrive in evil thoughts, bondages, and deeds of wickedness. The Lord is gracious and merciful to all those who desire a change of heart and mind.

What Does Love Look Like?

When you have love for yourself and others, you will not mistreat yourself or dishonor others. You will have self-control and walk with the fruits of the spirit.  You will have a desire to please God at all times. You will have integrity, morals and values that represent a Christ-like character. Even when you’re in private, you will have a desire to please the Lord while understanding that your priority is to honor the Lord regardless of your environment or surroundings. You will not be intimidated or influenced by others views or opinions. You will be truly set free from mental chains, bondage’s and worldly mindsets. This can only be accomplished through a heart transformation by the Holy Spirit. No prophet, preacher or teacher has the power to change your heart.

Acts 4:12


You must come to terms with your sins and have an honest desire in your heart to open your heart to receive Christ.

Your ego, arrogance, lust of the flesh, pride, and rebellion will continue to lock you out of a relationship with the Lord but Jesus does not discriminate.


Rev 3:20


A Nation Divided Will Not Stand

When our society can no longer appreciate and value diversity of races, ethnicity and cultures as well as the opinions, beliefs and values other than our own, we will continue to bandage the lacerations of a culture that magnifies and gratifies sin, arrogance, and injustice.

When we can no longer communicate, listen or understand each other, we will thrive on distasteful behaviors, mentalities and attitudes influenced by the world system that is embedded in our music, entertainment, work culture and social norms.

When everyone has their own agenda and fighting for their own dominance and voices to be heard, we will continue to struggle with greed, power, wealth and fame for our own selfish motives and purposes.

It’s all rooted in fear. The only voice that stands is the voice of Jesus which is the foundation of love, peace and compassion.

When you know better, you do better. Every voice is screaming right now but be watchful and consider your ways and actions. Is it a reflection of love, joy, peace and compassion? We must be able to respect each other’s opinions without judgement, anger, animosity or disrespect.

Get out of your comfort zone. Lend an ear to people who don’t sound like you do. Share your story. Release your fears and negative emotions. Embrace courage and strength and mostly, focus on spreading love and compassion in a hurting, dark world.

Bible References:

Scriptures on Love

I Corth 13






Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;



For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.





Scriptures on Salvation

John 14:6


John 10:10

Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy, but God came to give you a life more abundantly.

John 3:16


Scriptures on Communication

Col 4:6


Luke 19:40


Scriptures on Servanthood

Rom 6:18


1 Corth 7:22


Matt 5:10


The i Generation


We are progressively becoming a God-less nation. We are losing our respect for others as well as ourselves faster than a 4G network can download an app. However, we continue to upload more violence, sex, profanity and drugs into our homes, schools, communities and nation. In fact, we have become our own worst enemy and our own worst nightmare. “Where there is no vision, the people perish, but he that keeps the law, happy is he.” Proverbs 29:18

With so much going on in the world and in our personal and professional lives, the average person is operating under extreme pressure and stress on a daily basis. I tend to wonder if life was this complicated when my grandparents were alive. They lived through the Great Depression, World Wars, the Holocaust the Civil Rights Movement and many other historical events, but somehow I feel they responded much differently to crisis compared to the generations that followed them.

Yes, we can argue, “It was simpler times.” But, they still had devastating obstacles and challenges to face and overcome in their lifetime. Perhaps it all boils down to how they reacted and responded to their difficulties. I don’t know much about the older generation since I was not yet born, but I do remember what my parents shared with me. They appreciated the little things in life and stood together to overcome obstacles. They fought for what was right and faced opposition. The foundation and substance were found in the church which established strong families and nurtured healthy neighborhoods. People looked out for each other and helped one another. Despite hard times, people, for the most part, lived productive lives. They also valued life.

Despite the differences in how problems were handled back then, truth still remains the same throughout time. God’s Word does not change. Perhaps, we should take time to find out exactly what the Gospel states about how to live life under God’s laws instead of our own.

Somehow, we’ve learned to depend too much on the opinions, ideas and actions of others including governmental, political, corporate, educational and financial systems that just are not working and do not have the mass population in its best interest. Perhaps, our mentality is so mixed up and confused that some can’t even distinguish what’s right from what’s wrong anymore. Lines are being blurred.

Perhaps, we live with no morals, consciousness, values or integrity. Perhaps, our society is losing their true identity in Christ. Perhaps, our world is so noisy that we can’t even hear God when He is clearly speaking to us. Perhaps, if we put down our iphone, ipad, ipod and let go of the ego, “me” “myself” and “I” we would have the ability to hear God speak loudly.  “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt 6:33

Yes, in fact, we have surpassed prior generations with technological advances which has provided us with knowledge and information at our fingertips, yet our lives has become so complex, so competitive, so stressful, so busy, so frustrating and so exhausting. Perhaps, if we adapted some of our past generations “Old School Ways” of thinking, as well as values, we could eliminate some of the mess we’ve created.

Let’s start with putting down our technical gadgets and picking up the Bible and putting God first in all that we do. Teaching the next generation the Word of God is the root of healing the land. “He that is willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land.” Isaiah 1:19 Not only for blessing and protection, but most importantly salvation and truly understanding biblical stories and the life of Jesus.


Finishing the Race

woman-girl-silhouette joggerIn dedication to all those who were affected by the Boston Marathon Bombings


When you start a race, the ultimate goal is to be the first one to cross the finish line. Winning feels great. It is an indication that you’ve accomplished what you set out to do. It demonstrates strength, pride, determination and commitment. Integrity also illustrates the true character of a winner as long as honesty and playing fairly is part of the performance.

In high school, I was a sprinter on the track team. I also remember that I would exhaust all of my energy from the beginning to the end of the race because I was running the 50 to 100 mile dash. However, runners who compete in a long distance race must conserve their energy and concentrate on keeping a steady pace throughout the race. By the end, runners get a burst of adrenaline, momentum and speed.

The navigation through life is very similar to the challenges and obstacles we face in a marathon. Everyone has a dream or goal that they want to accomplish. They set out to fulfill their ambitions. Their main objective is to gain status, fame, money, material objects, a wife or husband, children, dog, house and car.  Well, you get the idea, anything related to the world’s idea of success and prosperity. Often, moving through life anxiously without enjoying the moment in time.

To achieve our goals, some lose their morals and values. They will lie or cheat. They will even ignore certain situations. Once they gain the success they’ve worked so hard for, they often grasp a tight hold on it as well as developing greed or envy. In fear of losing what they’ve gained, they forget the most simple and precious moments or to acknowledge others along the way.

We often see children rushing to grow up too fast or a couple rushing to get married. We do not take the time to enjoy each stage of life. Before we even graduate from school, we wish we were in college. By the time, we’re in college we wish we were married. By the time, we’re married, we wish we had children. Even in the most general or daily activities, it causes us to rush through life. We rush to our jobs every morning. We rush to the grocery store to complete errands. We rush to get the latest fashion or model car. Everything is a constant rush and we nearly want to hurt somebody if they get in our way.

Often times when we finally get to our destination, we have many regrets, failures, heartaches and sorrow because all to many times we’ve rushed through the natural process of life and missed out on valuable time. Often times, we could of avoided mistakes or bad decisions if we just took the time to focus on priorities and appreciate the time in that moment. “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” Eccles 7:8

Satan can often trick us into thinking that we are running out of time. However, procrastination and fear is definitely part of the enemy’s tactic to keep us from moving forward. Sometimes, even paralyzing us.

However, through God’s grace, mercy and timing, He will work all things out for our good in His own perfect timing. “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6


Eccles 3:1-8

Unlike the sprinter, the long distance runner realizes that each step is closer than the one before. While keeping abreast of their pace, they understand and appreciate the moment they’re given while keeping their eye of the prize. They can even accept if their competitor passes them by and know that not all is lost. They keep moving ahead with determination. Even though they are tired and out of breath, they pick up momentum. As they approach the finish line, they strive forward to victory. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run; and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31


Let it Go!


Why is it so hard for people to let go and embrace the new? They hold unto bad relationships, bad memories, bad habits, bad experiences, negative thinking and the list goes on and on.

There is a sense of freedom and liberation when you release whatever may be negative in your life. You can’t soar if you have a burden or walk around with unforgiveness in your heart.

close-your-eyes-clear-your-heart-let-it-go1 How do you do it? Simply, stop rehearsing it in your mind or talking about it. By  letting it go, you release negative emotions or anything that may be attached to  the experience, relationship or whatever you need to let go in your life. By letting  go of anger, bitterness, and resentment and replacing those negative emotions  with positive energy, you are taking back the power that was stolen from you in  the first place.

No one can control your thoughts, words, feeling or actions but  “YOU.” You are responsible with how you react and respond to a situation or  circumstance. You can’t change anybody’s ways of thinking but your own. It’s a  slow process at times, but you have to make a conscious effort. It’s not easy, but it  can be done.

If you’re struggling with a bad habit that you want to get rid of, you may need to go to a support group to gain encouragement. We are not born to be on an island by ourselves. We need each other. Just by being around others that can understand you, provides a great support system. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 Even though there are problems that are created which is not our fault. The majority of problems that we encounter is based on the mentality of people. Some problems are influenced by others and some problems are brought on by our own thoughts and actions. We must take responsibility for our actions and what we desire to change in our lives. I’m definitely not saying to ignore what you want to release. It all depends on what you need to let go in your life.

What you face will need to be handled and challenged head on before you let it go. But, at all cost you must face the reality of what you need to let go in your life. The process of change is gradual, but nothing in life remains the same. When you look back, you will realize how much you’ve grown through the process. Just like a butterfly, the cocoon stage is very ugly but through processing, the butterfly metamorphosis into a beautiful insect.

Peace & Blessings,